Hang, Stack, Lean: Update Your Kitchen Storage Style

Could a new kitchen look be as easy as changing your kitchen storage style? If the way you've organized your kitchen's wares was instinctual — you just started with what you know — then it might be time to reevaluate. Something as simple as a storage style upgrade could give your space a surprisingly new and different feel.

Mix your stacks up. Tend to keep similar objects in stacks? That could come off a bit sterile. Mix bowls on top of plates! Cups in bowls! If you're someone who tends to be very specific with your decor, this could help loosen up the room and make it feel more casual and authentic.

Think of your open shelving like a bookshelf. Switch the directions of items to create interest, and consider incorporating art or small decorative objects interspersed with your kitchen tools and tableware.

Think of it like a wall art collage. When hanging objects on hooks or a pegboard, think about it like a wall art collage. Spacing can make a collage of hanging objects feel busy or relaxing, and the same sorts of ideas behind wall collages — having each item have something in common — can help create organization to something that could easily turn haphazard.

Leaning's a perfectly acceptable form of display and can add some depth to your space. Lean art on a shelf or on top of a cabinet or countertop, lean plates and platters on their sides, and consider adding layers by creating vignettes of leaning objects.

When in doubt, go for the combo. Who says you can't have hanging, stacking and leaning displays in one kitchen? Heck, maybe even in the same display area? Just keep in mind clutter when creating your kitchen display.